Crosstalk - June 2016

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BISHOP’S MESSAGE

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PHOTOS: CONGREGATIONAL RESOURCE DAY

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THE ART OF HOSTING

SACRED CONVERSATIONS AT THE WELL

SEPTEMBER 2015 A SECTION OF THE ANGLICAN JOURNAL

ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF QUEBEC • DIOCÈSE ANGLICAN DE QUÉBEC The Anglican Diocese of Ottawa

A Section of the Anglican Journal / June 2016

Ordination to the Diaconate

BY STEPHANIE BOYD

On May 02, 2016, Christ Church Cathedral was host to the Ordination to the Diaconate of four members of our Diocese.

Mr. Ryan Boivin, Ms. Victoria Scott and Dr. MaryCatherine Garden were ordained transitional deacons, while Dr. Caroline Ducros was ordained deacon.

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Stephanie Boyd

Rev. John Wilcox delivering the sermon.

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Four Stages of Emergency Response Relief, Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, Sustainable Development BY

SIMON

CHAMBERS,

PWRDF Communications Coordinator Whenever a disaster occurs, most people’s first reaction is to want to help.

One doesn’t have to look far to find many examples of humanitarian relief efforts undertaken by the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund. In fact, PWRDF was founded in response to a disaster which took place

Stephanie Boyd

Rev. Victoria Scott, Rev. Dr. Mary-Catherine Garden, Rev. Dr. Caroline Ducros, and Rev. Ryan Boivin being welcomed as the newest Deacons to the Diocese of Ottawa.

in Springhill, NS in 1958.

Since that time, Anglicans in Canada have responded generously to disasters around the world- most particularly the 2004 Tsunami and the 2010 Haitian earthquake.

When word of a disaster gets out, people often respond immediately through donations, and many wish to do more, looking for ways to express their solidarity with those affected. A few weeks after the disaster, questions often begin to come to the PWRDF offices, asking what has happened, and how their money is being used.

Farida Akhter, the ExSee STORY, p. 10

Deconsecration of St. Matthias The Discernment of a Parish

BY REV. CANON JOHN WILKER-BLAKLEY, Associ-

ate Priest at All Saints Westboro The Amalgamation of St. Matthias with All Saints’ Westboro was the product of a discernment process of over two years which started in earnest when I was appointed as the incumbent of St. Matthias in mid-January of 2014. Before my appointment, and in conversation with the Bishop and the parish, it was apparent that this historic parish of the Diocese was facing a serious financial crisis. St. Matthias was a

parish with roots going back 127 years. In its early days St. Matthias had grown rapidly through the impact of immigration and the growing boundaries of Ottawa. Established first on Fairmont Ave. in the heart of Hintonburg, the parish knew that mission was the most important thing. They worshipped first in a tavern and then in a small new building which they repeatedly outgrew.

During the great depression, the parish realized that their existing site was inadequate for the job and they would have to expand yet again.

With courage and vision in hand they bought the property at 555 Parkdale, in the Civic Hospital area. Frugal, and focused on mission, the

people of the parish first built a basement out of which they worshipped through the remaining years of the depression until 1948. It was only after the Second World War that the human and physical resources became available to finish the project. Only then did they complete the superstructure of the Church building. A church with a capacity of 600 worshippers was finally completed.

I mention this history because it was at the heart of our recent amalgamation decision. St. Matthias lived its life out of mission and ministry, and it was this vision which drove the discussions in recent years.

See STORY, p. 4

Page 2 • CROSSTALK • June 2016

FROM THE BISHOP

Residential Schools Settlement Agreement

By The Rt. Rev. John H. Chapman My Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, The Globe and Mail published an article on April 27, 2016 regarding denominational contributions towards the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. While our National Church has responded with a statement, that I expect many of you have already read, I want to “set the record straight” regarding our diocesan commitments towards the agreement, as well as towards Healing and Reconciliation.

What follow is my formal statement to the media, the Diocese of Ottawa, our Inuit and First Nations people, and all other interested parties. ___________ The Anglican Church of Canada has not been “let off the hook” of its obligations to the Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, as recently reported in The Globe and Mail.

Anglicans in the Diocese of Ottawa have contributed nearly $1 million to

“The Diocese of Ottawa is committed longterm to ongoing reconciliation and ministry among our First Nations and Inuit population.” the Anglican Church of Canada’s financial obligation under the Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. Every dollar of the Ottawa contribution is being directed, as intended, to healing and reconciliation with indigenous people.

However, a provision was included in the agreement that linked the total contribution of our church to the fundraising campaign that was part of the Roman Catholic obligation.

Resulting from this provision, a refund of $173,266 was issued to the Diocese of Ottawa as their share of the total amount refunded to the Anglican Church of Canada when the Roman Catholic Church failed to reach their “best effort” fundraising targets.

As you know, the Diocese of Ottawa is committed long

term to ongoing reconciliation and ministry among our First Nation and Inuit population. Our “All My Relations” committee is deeply involved, furthering the work of reconciliation, which we will support with our returned funds. Additionally, we will continue to support our ongoing and growing relationship with the Inuit population at St. Margaret’s Church and elsewhere.

The church is honouring the spirit of its original agreement with the government, as dioceses throughout the country direct their share of the returned funds to healing and reconciliation projects and indigenous ministries.

Yours in Christ † John

Friends of the Bishop Dinner

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Clergy/Staff News and Updates

Stephanie Boyd

The Friends of the Bishop Dinner and Silent Auction, feat. Gail Gavin and her band, was held May 10, 2016, at the Hampton Inn & Conference Centre, Ottawa.

hank you to Gail Gavin, our entertainment, and all who attended the Friends of the Bishop Dinner. Your attendance provides support to the Bishop’s Discretionary Fund, and enables me to respond quickly and compassionately to compelling and often unexpected situations locally, nationally, and internationally. Your generous support is essential and it means a great deal to me and to all who benefit from it. Thank you for helping me to help others through your generosity. I am grateful to all of you, and to our sponsors, for contributing to making this event a success.

Your in Christ, † John

Rev. Deacon Ryan Boivin has been appointed as Assistant Curate at Christ Church, Bells Corners; effective September 01, 2016.

Rev. Canon Peter Lackey has been appointed as Director of the Parish Ministry Institute; effective April 12, 2016. Peter brings much experience and enthusiasm to this new initiative of the Parish Ministry Committee and Embracing God’s Future. The work of the Institute will be extremely well served by Peter’s efforts and skill.

Rev. Dr. Anne Quick has received the Bishop’s permission to rertire from fulltime ministry and as Incumbent of St. Stephen’s Church; effective October 02, 2016.

Rev. Deacon Victoria Scott has been appointed as Assistant Curate at St. Thomas the Apostle Church; effective September 01, 2016.

Ms. Joyce Couvrette (formerly Synod and Council Administrator) will become the Refugee Ministry Officer, now a full-time position given the number of refugee groups and refugees the Diocese has undertaken in the past year. This position currently is partially funded through a grant from the Community Foundation of Ottawa, with promises of additional private and government funding. Joyce’s skills in careful planning, detail work, and relationship building are strong gifts for this position.

Effective June 01, 2016.

Ms. Heidi Danson (currently Administrative Assistant) will become the Conference and Event Coordinator, a new position, whose role is to assist in the planning, coordination, functioning, and evaluation of events that happen in the Diocese, such as Synod, Diocesan Council Congregational Resource Day, Clergy Conference and Clergy Days, the Jerusalem Women’s Pilgrimage, Embracing God’s Future events, and other gatherings. Heidi brings a number of skills in organization and event planning to this position, which will benefit the Diocese.

Effective June 01, 2016.

June 2016 • CROSSTALK • Page 3

NEWS

All My Relations

Debbie Grisdale, Co-Chair of All My Relations Working Group The All My Relations Working Group (AMR) formed last year in the leadup to the closing events of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission here in Ottawa.

One of its goals is to build a circle of Indigenous and non-Indigenous People in the diocese. Margaret Lemaire (Co-chair of AMR) and Irene Barbeau are two members of the working group and, in response to questions, share their thoughts here on the TRC and reconciliation.

What do you think the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report and its ‘calls to action’ mean for our diocese and the Anglican Church.

Margaret: As an indigenous person worshipping at Christ Church Bells Corners and recent participant of “All My Relations” Working Group, I strongly support this initiative and willingly agree to lend my knowledge and any skills to help the plight of my people. There is still a tremendous amount of suffering and pain being experienced as a result of Indian Residential School dilemma.

Irene: The TRC recommendations are vast and will take years to come into full circle. I have no idea what it will look like for the Canadian people and churches. I have found that it is not easy, living an urban area, to gather Aboriginals or survivors. Most of them are practicing their Native Spirituality. Also, because this Diocese did not have a residential school in this area, it does not affect the Diocese in the same way as Dioceses that had these schools.

What would reconciliation between Indigenous and nonIndigenous people look?

Margaret: The TRC report has stipulated 94 calls to action and identified the sectors of responsibility to be followed up and implemented by the Churches, different government levels, etc. The general public

“When we say “all my relations”, it’s meant in a teaching way, to rekindle community. We are part of the great, grand circle of humanity, and we need each other.”

— Richard Wagamese, One Native Life

needs to be educated about what this means. We are fortunate to have the examples of established Indigenous entities that have already incorporated these actions, such as Kateri Native Ministry, Kairos, Odawa Native Friendship Centre and other First Nations, Inuit & Metis organizations, as well as individual Indigenous elders. Our Anglican church can tap into these entities for a wealth of knowledge, experiences, traditions and beliefs of implementing new relationships between the peoples.

which we gather and to offer an expression of thanks. Why is that important?

Irene: I have been involved with the residential school system for over 30 years and in many instances in a leadership role in the healing process. I have also had to deal with the impacts of the system on me. After all these years, I am at place in my life where I have stepped back a bit. I do not know what the reconciliation process will look like but I believe it will happen in what ever form it will be.

Margaret: I truly believe and follow the ways of the Creator by sharing my life story and experiences of Indian Residential School years. I returned from a hiatus from the Anglican Church with the desperate hope to help my people and broaden the education of our history. It is most heartening to participate in the role of telling my life history as during those years of school, we were forbidden to continue that part of our lives.

The Primate has fully endorsed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and committed the Anglican Church to living in to it. What could that mean for the diocese?

Margaret: I heartily agree to use the guidelines of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This Declaration can be used as a teaching tool for the general public too.

The Primate has also said that he commends the growing practice of beginning meetings, synods and assemblies with an acknowledgement of the traditional lands on

Margaret: Acknowledgement and thanks for the traditional lands that we occupy is respectful, educational and holy when used the beginning of meetings, synods and assemblies. I used it recently at our initial Christ Church Bells Corners bazaar meeting and it felt so appropriate.

In what ways will your own belief in the Creator animate your work with the AMR Working Group?

The diocese working group ‘All My Relations’ invites you to celebrate Inuit life - its history, culture, traditional food, spirituality and games – on National Aboriginal Day, Tuesday June 21 at St. Margaret’s Anglican Church, Montreal Road. The day, to be offered in 4 parts, begins at 10 AM and continues all day with videos, discussion and dialogue, Inuit culture presentation and Inuit food. This is an opportunity to learn about Inuit history and culture and to share in the Inuit community. Join Inuit elders, adults and youth for one session or the whole day. Everyone is welcome.

Hot Doc(umentary) Seeds planted by organizers in Palestine yield hope for lasting change.

By Jane Waterston Nuha Dweikat-Shaer is a social worker who came to Canada around the time of the first war in Gaza (2008) to take part in a special program at McGill University providing human rights based training. She happened to meet Helene Klodawsky, an independent filmmaker, a daughter of holocaust survivors, who was demoralized by accounts of events in the Middle East.

Hostilities, appropriations and resettlements were leaving ordinary people exposed, vulnerable and unable to talk about trusting responses and trustworthy people.

The fascinating result of their connection is a 52-minute documentary, five years in the making, released earlier this year by the National Film Board.

It will be screened on June 15 at St. Stephen’s parish in Ottawa’s west end, at an event where all are welcome.

The film’s producer Kat Baulu is expected to be on

Obituaries

hand to answer questions.

The organizers are members of the women’s delegation travelling to the Diocese of Jerusalem next November.

The Grassroots in Dry Lands documentary tells the story of three unconventional social workers with a shared vision of how to transcend the antagonisms between their countries. Nuha, from Nablus (Occupied Palestinian Territories), Talal, from East Amman (Jordan), and Amit, from Sderot (Israel) are empowering some of the region’s most disenfranchised, war-scarred communities in an effort to build a just and civil society.

Their starting point is to focus on grassroots-level conversations not about territory but about the rights of actual individuals. Slow, incremental work is undertaken to assert the right to travel and self-determination. “All humans share the same rights and challenges,” explains Nuha in a post-production interview. “If they have rights, they will have hope and inner peace.”

To reserve a ticket ($10) at the July 15 screening, please email a request to heidi-danson@ottawa.anglican.ca

Rev. Canon Jim (James) Winters A celebration of the life of Rev. Canon Jim Winters was held April 24 at St. Barnabas Anglican Church. “Father Jim”, as he was known, entered holy orders as a deacon on June 11, 1951 and as a priest on March 17, 1952. His career in the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa began at the Church of St. Barnabas, Apostle and Martyr, as a curate.

In 1955, Father Jim received his first appointment as Rector, to St. John’s, Vankleek Hill, returning to Ottawa in 1960 to become the first full-time chaplain at the Civic Hospital; he held that charge until 1967, when he was appointed Rector of St. Aidan’s.

In 1978, Father Jim came back to St. Barnabas’, where he ministered as Rector until his formal retirement in 1990, and then for the rest of his life as Honorary Assistant and Rector Emeritus.

Over the years, Father Jim took great delight in the blessings God gives his people: family and friends, good food and great music (especially opera), and always the splendor and comfort of the traditional Anglican liturgy.

Page 4 • CROSSTALK • June 2016

NEWS

Edmonton Bishop Boosts Anti-Poverty Initiatives

By Anglican Journal At a St. Patrick’s Day dinner held at the PrayerWorks Common in the church hall shared by St. Faith and St. Stephen the Martyr parishes, Bishop Jane Alexander, of the diocese of Edmonton, talked about what the city of Edmonton is doing to ensure everyone has enough to eat.

“We must have hope that we can move people out of poverty into a life that we would accept as dignified and nothing less,” Alexander told the gathering, following a tra-

ditional Irish dinner served by the Anglican Church Women.

Alexander had been welcomed by John Campbell, chair of the Inner City Pastoral Ministry (ICPM) board, to speak on behalf of the End Poverty Edmonton Task Force, which she co-chairs with Mayor Don Iveson. She said that all Edmontonians deserve to live with dignity and that every child is entitled to adequate food, shelter and educational opportunities.

“I believe with all my heart that God refuses to leave us locked within a single chapter of our lives,” she said, outlining the key points of the task force strategy, an initiative to lift people out of poverty approved unanimously by Edmonton City Council.

With over 100,000 adults and 30,000 children living in poverty in Edmonton, End Poverty Edmonton has estimated that poverty costs the city $7 billion a year. Alexander says the task force has adopted a proactive response,

suggesting that not only is it a social responsibility to eliminate poverty, it would provide major economic benefits.

Alexander explained that Anglicans and other people of faith have an important role to play in fighting poverty, and encouraged the audience to look into using a toolkit being developed by the Capital Region Interfaith Housing Initiative, which will give faith communities suggestions for taking action on ending poverty.

Margaret Marschall, The Messenger

EMBRACING GOD’S FUTURE St. Matthias...

- Continued from page 1 Faced with mounting deficit budgets we worked both at reducing costs (including cleaning the building ourselves) and financial stewardship. This helped us to close the financial gap a little and to buy us the time to take a good hard look at the parish’s life.

With the advice of our Diocesan Director of Mission, The Venerable P.J. Hobbs, we engaged with the Ministry Assessment Process (MAP).

MAP comes out of the Diocese of New Westminster and is a tool for taking a comprehensive look at the life of a parish’s ministry. There is provision for Appreciative Inquiry (a tool for looking at and creating vision and mission), demographic study (who it is that we serve and need to serve), building study (what has been done and what needs to be done in order to continue in this building), neighbourhood study (what are the needs in our community), a parish wide book study (on a book about the practices of healthy congregations), and a look at the parish’s history (we created a history wall with a time line so we could visualize and further appreciate our history through names, dates, and pictures). We were also fortunate to engage the services of a group of Master of Social Work Students from Carleton University. They assessed needs in the area and how these were being met (or not) by the social services within the parish boundary.

“Throughout the process, we knew that faithfulness to God’s mission and ministry was paramount.”

To all of this we added regular in-depth parish-wide communication of each aspect of the work. This included progress reports and summary reports as each team wrapped up its work. We also grounded our work spiritually by holding a Monthly discernment Vespers so that we could pray our way through material as it was generated.

We held a series of meetings with developers, architects, renters, realtors, and anybody else that we thought might be able to help us reenvision the life of St. Matthias. We wanted our work to be as viable financially as it was in faith and ministry. After almost two years of work, we reached the conclusion that there were four options open to us: To stay put, but move entirely upstairs, requiring a renovation of the basement to generate rental income; to rebuild the site into seniors housing (with a smaller church space included) in an

attempt to meet needs for affordable housing; to disband as a parish and scatter; or to pursue an amalgamation with a sister parish in our immediate area (so that we could continue the mission and ministry to which we were committed). The first two of these options proved to be financially impossible.

Each would have burned through our remaining Consolidated Trust Funds and left us with no way to finish the project, let alone conduct our ministry. The third option was felt to be unacceptable because this would abandon our neighbourhood and our community. We chose instead to pursue an amalgamation in order to stay together as a community, and to continue to work at ministry in our neighbourhood. After conversations held at the parochial and diocesan level, All Saints’ Westboro emerged as the most appropriate parish from which to maintain the important aspects of our life as a people of faith.

While we took our time with the discernment work, once we saw the direction that was open to us we intentionally moved quickly. We met in conversation through the summer with the people of All Saints’ Westboro, to consider as many aspects of an amalgamation as possible. This work was put to a parish vote in autumn of 2015 with the amalgamation to take place on January 1,

2016. This movement was deeply painful and not without bumps along the road, after all we had to let go of our beloved and beautiful church building. Yet, throughout the process, we knew that faithfulness to God’s mission and ministry was paramount. We wanted to move before our resources were depleted so that we could contribute the most we could to the life of our new amalgamated parish. We have suffered some modest losses of membership as a few have chosen another parish. By far the majority of us have landed safely among a welcoming parish of similarly committed Christians at All Saints’ Westboro, grateful for the strength and guidance of God’s Spirit on the journey.

Out of our MAP work we discerned that there was a need among the people of Hintonburg to help overcome the social isolation of poverty and disenfranchisement felt by some. In response, and as part of our amalgamation plan, we are working with the support of the Parkdale Food Centre and its neighbours to prepare and cook a monthly fellowship meal where everyone shares in the food and fellowship of the meal. We are already making new friends and building on our mission and vision in the area, only a few blocks from where we first established our parish roots.

Crosstalk A ministry of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa. www.ottawa.anglican.ca

Publisher:

The Rt. Rev. John Chapman, Bishop of Ottawa

Editor:

Stephanie Boyd

Crosstalk is published 10 times a year (September to June) and mailed as a section of the Anglican Journal.

Printed and mailed by Webnews Printing Inc. in North York, Ontario, Crosstalk is a member of the Canadian Church Press and the Anglican Editors Association.

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Editorial and advertising enquiries, as well as letters to the editor, should be directed to: ott-crosstalk@ottawa.anglican.ca

Stephanie Boyd Crosstalk 71 Bronson Ave. Ottawa, Ontario K1R 6G6 (613) 232-7124, ext. 245 Submission Deadline for the September 2016 Issue is July 25, 2015.

June 2016 • CROSSTALK • Page 5

PARISH NEWS

Community Gathers to Learn of Philosophy of Islam

By Rev. Kerri Brennan, Incumbent at the Parish of Metcalfe, Greely, Vernon On Wednesday April 18th, at the invitation of the South Dundas Ministerial, Imam Dr. Mohammed Jebara came to speak to the community about the philosophy of Islam, and to answer any questions the group may have. As clergy we were curious to see how many people would attend. That curiosity was quickly answered as over 50 people arrived and extra tables needed to be set up.

Imam Jebara went on to discuss some basic principles of Islam: it is a question to achieve “completeness”. All people are created by God, however they are all imperfect. They have saddness, heartache, anger, brokenness.

Part of the path towards God is also the path to heal one’s self and to become that which God created them to be. He spoke about how, like planting seeds, Islam calls people to embody the qualities of God: slow to anger, unconditionally compassionate, and full of an unending love.

During question period he answered several questions that brought both personal interest, and current world events into the conversation.

Imam Jebara explained that Muslims believe that Jesus is the Messiah, however like the Prophet Mohammed, they do not believe there is an element of divinity. Their own tradition incorporates the

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Rev. Kerri Brennan

Rev. Jon Martin, Rev. Geoff Howard, Imam Dr. Mohammed Jebara, Rev. John Noordhof, and Rev. Janet Evans, gathered along with the community of South Dundas to learn about the Philosophy of Islam.

Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament. When asked about Islam having different “denominations” and sects, Imam Jebara explained that, much like Christianity, Islam has many different sects, and just like Christianity, some are more like cults than valid denomination. He described how many, if not most, of the Islamic world considers ISIS to not be a valid expression of Islam, and how, much like Jim Jones, or the Westboro Baptists, they are a cult, and perversion of the faith.

When asked about the Koran, Imam Jebara explained that, like all of the Scriptures within the Abrahamic faith (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) there has been a large problem with translation.

He explained that many of these ultra-orthodox sects have a lot of money and so they have taken over a mo-

nopoly of translations of the Islamic Scriptures. Because of this, people trying to read it in English get a highly inaccurate picture of what the Prophet Mohammed actually taught.

It was a night full of conversation, stories, learning, and laughter. We ended up going well over the allotted time as folks wanted to keep the question going. By the time I arrived home, my inbox was already filling up with emails saying how pleased everyone way, and it was a diverse group.

Besides members from the local churches, we had attendees from as far as Long Sault, Glengarry, Orleans, and North Gower. It was a wonderful evening that left the voices of many with one last question on their lips, “When can we have him come back?”

Birthday Party for Queen Elizabeth

By Brian Harrison As part of our patronal weekend for St Mark the Evangelist, April 23rd saw a huge birthday party take place at St. Mark’s where 120 revellers celebrated the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth.

Party-goers were treated to a roast beef dinner with wine, followed by an outstanding performance of music by Garth Hampson, accompanied by pianist Saundra Vandenburg. Performing some of the queen’s favourite tunes and some very humorous songs, Garth kept the audience entertained and laughing all evening. There was a toast to the queen, a rousing

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The Neighbourhood Tomato

By Rev. Monique Stone The Neighbourhood Tomato West Carleton (a community garden hosted by the Anglican Parish of Huntley) is set to embark on its fourth growing season!

On Saturday, May 28th starting at 9:30am families and gardeners will begin their growing season with a morning focused on replenishing soil and planting seeds. Vegetables, and deer deterring marigold, will fill eighteen garden boxes that enable families to learn and grow their own produce as well as providing fresh veggies to over seventy families at the West Carleton Food Access Centre (WCFAC).

Tomato-Heads (the title bestowed on Neighbourhood Tomato gardeners) are drawn together from throughout West Carleton to embark on their own summer harvest and/or to work with others to manage the collaborative gardens that provide fresh produce to the WCFAC up to three times a week. Although some boxes became available this year there is now a waiting list.

The garden has been financially supported by the Growing in Faith Together grants program, Just Foods Ottawa and the City of Ottawa’s Rural CommunityBuilding Grant. In-kind support and many hours of volunteer time have been provided from local residents, organizations and members of the church community.

Michelle Rehkopf, the Neighbourhood Tomato West Carleton Coordinator highlighted that 2016 will be a year focused on community building and education; “We have a variety of workshops that will be announced

throughout the summer and we are always looking for opportunities to get gardeners, volunteers and community members together to build relationships and support each other.” Michelle continued; “workshops are always open to the broader community, people gardening elsewhere, and those who are trying to find out about gardening.”

Community members who want to learn more about the garden and/or want to help out with the harvesting and delivering to the West Carleton Food Access Centre can drop by the garden (around the side of St. James Anglican Church at 3774 Carp Road); gardeners tend to be hanging around Saturdays between 9am – 11am. Michelle can also be reached at michellerehkopf@rogers. com. Information can also be found at www.huntleyparish.com and on Facebook @ ‘The Neighbourhood Tomato Community Gardens’.

The West Carleton garden is one of three Neighbourhood Tomatoes (the other two are found in Almonte and Carleton Place).

Sunday church will take place in the garden on Sunday, June 12th at 10:30 (rain location is inside the church) followed by a community potluck lunch. Other workshops and community gatherings will be announced throughout the summer.

Church communities throughout the diocese who want to find out more about community gardens and the rationale and theology that continues to inspire the Anglican Parish of Huntley and their food justice & literacy ministries can contact The Reverend Monique Stone at huntleypriest@bellnet.ca

Stephen Close

A collection of photos from St. Mark’s Celebrations for Queen Elizabeth. rendition of “Happy Birthday”, and a large birthday card signed by all in attendance that was sent to Her

Majesty. St. Mark’s parishioner Terry Frederick did a fantastic job as master of ceremonies for the event.

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The Neighbourhood Tomato at the Parish of Huntley.

Page 6 • CROSSTALK • June 2016

LIFELONG FORMATION

Congregational Resource Day

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Stephanie Boyd

Keynote speaker, Rev. Canon Dr. Judy Rois, speaking about the theme of ‘Embracing Hospitality’ during the opening session of Congregational Resource Day.

Service Day at Christie Lake Camp

By Nora Joyner, Intern, Anglican Diocese of Ottawa’s Youth Internship Program The Diocesan Youth Conference service day, which took place on April 16th, was a day devoted to serving those in need. The sunny Saturday was spent helping to get Christie Lake Camp, the site of DYC, ready for the hundreds of kids and teens that will use it throughout the summer. It was a fantastic opportunity to build community and make connections in the final event before DYC! Youth and youth leaders from All Saints Westboro, Ascension, Epiphany, St Albans, St James Manotick, St Helens and Trinity joined together for the day to have fun, work, and build new relationships.

Leslie Giddings, the Child, Youth and Adult Learning Facilitator with our Diocese, tweeted that “2/3 of our

volunteers are new to Service Day with Christie Lake Camp. @OttawaAnglican’s youth ministry is growing!”

The ADO’s Diocesan Youth Conference is being held the weekend of May 2022. The theme for DYC 2+ seems fitting, given the amazing turnout to an event for helping others. “Where two or three are gathered, there I am also.” (Matthew 18:20) We can be sure that God was with our youth that day.

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Rev. Kevin Flynn, Rev. Johnathan Askwith, Ashley Russell, Kiersten Jensen, and musicians leading the participants of our 5th Annual Congregational Resource Day in Taize Worship.

The Open Table

By Nora Joyner, Intern, Anglican Diocese of Ottawa’s Youth Internship Program It’s not a group of people you’d expect to see in a room together. Quite a few university students, some of whom are dressed in jeans and hoodies, others dressed like models from a magazine. The people there aren’t just from Ottawa’s universities, though. There are other participants and volunteers - some adults, some younger kids, and a few teenagers chatting around the end of a table, eating shepherd’s pie and drawing on the paper tablecloth with crayons. The noise is happy and friendly, like several family meals, groups of friends mixing in bright conversations.

This is the Open Table, a community meal for stu-

dents and young adults that happens twice monthly, near the University of Ottawa and Carleton university.

Carleton’s open table takes place at Trinity Ottawa on Bank Street, and uOttawa’s takes place at Centre 454 on King Edward Avenue. St. James Manotick volunteered at this particular event - they wanted to help with what they felt was a very important initiative, and also wanted to connect with people that weren’t necessarily involved with their church, or any for that matter. They’re not the

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only partners, though - many different congregations have already gotten involved with the Open Table. They provide the food, which is always free and home-cooked.

The friendly gathering opens doors to lots of other activities around the community, both church-related and not; it’s an amazing place to meet new people and find your way to great new activities and support. The Open Table has finished for the season, but will be returning again in September as students return to school!

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June 2016 • CROSSTALK • Page 7

STEWARDSHIP

The Art of Hosting

By Jane Scanlon, Stewardship Development Officer An excellent resource that I learned about at a recent Stewardship Board Retreat of The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS) is called “The Art of Hosting Conversations that Matter.”

The Art of Hosting Conversations that Matter is a great way to “harness the collective wisdom and self-organizing capacity of groups of any size” and would be an effective approach for congregations to investigate. People give energy and resources to what means the most to them, and “the Art of Hosting blends a suite of powerful conversational processes to invite people to step in and take charge of the challenges facing them in their current contexts.” As a result of using the Art of Hosting as a working practice, many groups report better decision-making, more efficient and effective capacity building and greater ability to quickly respond to opportunity, challenge and change. Individuals who participate in Art of Hosting training feel more empowered and equipped to guide meetings and conversations towards fruitful outcomes.

At its core The Art of Hosting uses all the ingredients of good conversation to create a space in which “to learn, exchange ideas, offer resources and create innovation.”

Unfortunately, people can experience meetings as a “waste of time, conversations that feel more like debates, and invitations to

input which turn out to be something altogether different.” As an alternative, The Art of Hosting focuses on blending the most powerful conversational methods: Circle, World Café, Appreciative Inquiry, Open Space Technology, Pro-Action Café, storytelling and other methods. These methods can be tailored by practitioners to create open and meaningful conversations to fit their context and purpose.

However, the Art of Hosting is more than just a menu of methods; it is also a practice and an art of becoming “skillful at helping ourselves and others work well together, especially in these times of increasing complexity.” It is referred to as hosting because it is not a typical facilitation methodology. Instead, “it gives attention and care to all aspects of people’s work together, intending to host them in being successful, just as any person welcoming guests will make sure they have everything they need to make their visit fruitful.”

Conversations are designed around the harvesting of desirable results. The results that are being sought help to determine the methods that are used and how, and there is openness to experimenting with different forms of harvesting: digital images, photographic, musical, social media, multi-media, narrative and so on. “Good harvesting is one of the most potent ways to assure that the agreements and decisions arising out of conversations that matter lead to action.”

Encouraging Children to Eat Healthily

Although The Art of Hosting network has no formal organizational structure, it is rapidly having world-wide impact with more and more people and organizations exploring this conversational way of working together.

It is based on a practitioner network, and the first step to becoming a practitioner is to follow a 3-day Art of Hosting training. An international group of dedicated and talented stewards teaches the deeper practice pattern and assures the quality of the trainings and the integrity of the global network.

To learn more about The Art of Hosting Conversations that Matter, visit the website at http:// www.artofhosting.org/. The Art of Hosting and many other resources are available in the stewardship section of the diocesan website at http://www.ottawa. anglican.ca/Christian_Stewardship.html.

Please contact Jane Scanlon if you have any questions about stewardship, or if you would like to request a stewardship consultation for your congregation.

(613)-232-7124, ext. 225 or jane-scanlon@ottawa.anglican.ca

PARISH NEWS

A Gift of Appreciation

By Jim Millard, Deputy Rector’s Warden, Parish of South Dundas St. John the Baptist in Iroquois took a few moments at the end of the service on April 24th to honour Arlene Armstrong for her work as treasurer. After serving for 21 years as congregation treasurer and 8 years as parish treasurer, Arlene stepped down from the position at vestry in February.

By Greg Best, People’s Warden, St. James, Perth Thanks to the Diocesan GIFT Program, St. James the Apostle Anglican Church in Perth has become a key partner in a new program offered in Perth and Lanark Village by The Table Community Food Centre. The Table is a wonderful organization in Perth whose mission is to increase access to healthy food, build food skills and improve food literacy in ways that maintain dignity, build community and challenge inequality.

Tiny Tastes is a program designed by staff at The Table in response to a young mother’s comments.

She was concerned about wasting money on food that her kids wouldn’t eat. The program is based on research into how children develop an openness to eating a wide variety of foods. Over 12 weekly sessions, it is designed to reinforce healthy eating habits by focusing on healthy foods and social eating. It provides information, recipes and opportunities to prepare healthy and interesting meals -- sometimes with the help of the kids -- and enjoy them together as a group.

Tiny Tastes ran as a pilot during the fall of 2015.

There were 14 participants with children from 1 to 4 years old. Evaluations determined it was very successful in increasing the confidence and skills of young parents in choosing and preparing a variety of healthy meals with limited resources. There was also demand for continua-

photo:

Submitted

Participants learn about, and create, healthy foods at St. James Perth’s Tiny Tastes Program. tion of the program, which is where St. James was able to help.

The Parish applied for a Diocesan GIFT Grant through the Bishop’s Child Poverty Initiative. The application was successful and, as a result, we are able to contribute just over $8000 to support the Tiny Tastes program. The Table has been able to translate this, along with support from the Perth and District Community Foundation and the North Lanark Community Health Centre, into two more 12 week sessions during 2016.

The first began in Perth in April with a second to take place in the Village of Lanark later this year.

Nutritious food is a critical part of the healthy development of all young children.

We are very thankful that St. James and The Diocese of Ottawa can be so actively involved in supporting this very important initiative in our community.

The Church Bookroom Order your Anglican Annuals Today!

The Church Bookroom 90 Johnson Street Kingston, Ontario K7L 1X7

photo: Jim

Millard

Rev. Jon Martin with Arlene Armstrong as she is presented with a framed and engraved photo of St. John’s.

Local: (613) 544-1013 Toll-Free: (866) 794-1013 Fax: (613) 547-3745

Page 8 • CROSSTALK • June 2016

REFLECTIONS

Never Too Old

By Wendy McCutcheon Surprise of all surprises happened to my father, George Sparks at St. John’s Anglican Church in Ottawa.

The church was hosting its 40th Art Credo Exhibition from April 16th to May 1st 2016, and after a Fellowship Service Thursday afternoon April 21st, I invited the group to come over to the wall of paintings where two of my father’s paintings were hanging. I submitted two paintings that my father recently painted, one was ‘Poppies at Sunrise’ and the second one was ‘St. George Slaying the Dragon’.

My father was surprised to say the least and so were a lot of other people. Words like fabulous, amazing, beautiful, nice job, floated around the nave. People were honestly pleased and congratulatory for my father’s works of art.

Questions were asked of him such as; how long have you been painting? Are you a painter? I didn’t know you painted!

‘Poppies at Sunrise’ was painted last fall and the ‘St. George Slaying the Dragon’ was painted this past February.

My father only started painting a year and a half ago after he moved into the

photo:

Wendy McCutchean

George Sparks stands with his recent painting ‘St. George Slaying the Dragon’ during April’s Art Credo Exhibition.

Glebe Centre. He tells me he was good in art class when he was in high school, but has never painted anything since.

High school was a long time ago. My father is in his 100th year of life, born Jan. 30, 1917, is physically healthy and active with a clear and pretty sharp mind.

I had seen a few of dad’s paintings over the year and was impressed, of course, I’m a little biased. But one day in the front foyer was this Poppies painting up for silent auction as a fund raiser for the art program. Dad casually mentions that he painted it. So on the last day of the

auction, five minutes before closing I placed the final bid.

If anyone was going to have this beautiful painting it was going to be me.

In Nov. 2015 dad was invested into the Order of St. George as a Field Knight, and on the back page of the program was this picture of St. George on his white horse slaying the dragon. When word spread around of dad’s “knighting”, the art coordinator at the Glebe Center, Pat, said to my dad and I that he should paint a picture of this to commemorate this great event. Nothing more was said and my dad did not let on to me that he in fact had started painting the picture. Then, one day, there it was in his room on his desk leaning up against the wall. I was stunned.

We talked about getting it framed so we could hang it properly on his wall. So I took it to be framed and made a little side trip to the church on its way back home.

So my dad is living proof that you are never too old to learn new things. My mother also started painting about four years ago and she’ll be turning 99 years old this August.

By the Grace of God

Nigel Shaw Will be ordained to the Sacred Order of Bishops in the Anglican Communion of Christ’s One , Holy, and Apostolic Church Saturday, May 28 2pm Christ Church Cathedral (414 Sparks St)

PARISH NEWS

Paint Night Success Raises Funds for Church Youth

By Allan Joyner Spring Blossoms Paint Night was a great success in April. Sixty people of all ages from throughout the community attended the sell out fundraising event at the Anglican Parish of Huntley hall in Carp on Friday the 15th.

Everyone enjoyed snacks and a meet and greet before they produced their own version of painting.

The money raised will support youth in the parish who are attending The Christian Lutheran Anglican Youth (CLAY) gathering in Charlottetown PEI this summer.

“At CLAY our youth have

an amazing time” Says Reverend Monique Stone of Parish of Huntley and Paint Nite was a way for us to reach out to the community and raise some financial support.

“Youth experience ancient and modern ways of worship, learn together in special interest forums, enjoy fantastic social events, explore Charlottetown, and make connections with emerging adults from all over Canada.

For some of our youth it will be their second CLAY and the can’t wait to return.”

CLAY runs from August 17th - 21st

photo:

Allan Joyner

Participants of the Parish of Huntley’s PaintNite painting spring blossoms as they raise money to send their youth to CLAY.

40 Youth Gather for Basketball

By Nora Joyner, Intern, Anglican Diocese of Ottawa’s Youth Internship Program On April 8th, All Saints Westboro held a youth basketball night, attended by 40 youth and 15 adults from parishes from across the Ottawa Diocese. Participants joined the youth of All Saints Westboro from St James Carleton Place, St James Manotick, Trinity Ascension, Epiphany, and St Helens. The basket-

ball night is held twice annually, and last month’s was the best turnout so far. The youth played games like basketball and pingpong, ate pizza, and heard about DYC 2+. ”For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:20) If you would like to attend the next basketball night, watch the for date - it will be held next fall!

Your presence and prayers are invited.

Clergy are invited to vest (red) An informal reception will follow.

Dress Military: 1A, with medals Civilians: Business Attire

photo:

Nora Joyner

40 youth and 15 adults from across the diocese gathered to play basketball together at All Saints Westboro.

June 2016 • CROSSTALK • Page 9

NEWS

SSJD Companions Interview

By Martha Holmen, Digital Communications Coordinator, Diocese of Toronto The Sisterhood of St. John the Divine has found an enthusiastic advocate for its new Companions program. Katja Nack, a 23-year-old university student from Germany, arrived at St. John’s Convent in March for a three-month internship as an Alongsider.

“I study English and Protestant religion to become a teacher. We have to go abroad for at least 12 weeks to finish our Bachelor in English,” she says. “I was not ready to give up one subject just for the other one. I started to think, where can I connect both of them? Finally I ended up with the thought, what about asking a convent if I could stay?”

After a quick Google search, Ms. Nack emailed Sister Constance Joanna Gefvert, coordinator of both the Alongsiders and the Companions program. “I talked to Connie a lot on Skype, and we were writing emails back and forth,” she says.

“Sometimes sisters would drop by her office while we were Skyping. It seemed like everyone was interested.”

Starting in September, the sisters will welcome up to 10 women age 22 to 40 to live at the convent, where they will experience the Benedictine life of prayer, study, recreation and service to others.

Ms. Nack says she thinks the program will be a great experience for young women. “It’s a time to step back, to look at the whole picture you’ve created and see if it’s really what you want. To have some silence to think about yourself. To experience places where you can go and help,” she says.

In particular, she sees the year-long program as a valu-

By Jane Maxwell, Chair PWRDF Diocesan Committee [An Excerpt]

photo:

Michael Hudson

Katja Nack stands beside the labyrinth at St. John’s Convent. She says her three-month stay has helped her recharge. able opportunity for students like her to recharge. “When you’ve just lost some pieces of yourself between the books and the exams and homework, you can find yourself here again,” she says. “It’s like a very safe bubble you can enter.”

Ms. Nack admits she found it difficult to adjust to the slower pace of life at first, but she soon learned to appreciate the time for silence and prayer. “I look after myself more often, to calm down more, to not hurry, to not rush too much,” she says.

“In all the silence, I began to think a lot about myself and about home.”

She also understands young women’s fears about how their friends and family will react if they decide to become Companions. While Ms. Nack was confident in her decision to join the convent, her friends were skeptical at first. “They said I’m crazy. Everyone was expecting that I would come back like a nun, and some of my friends were afraid that I won’t come back at all,” she says.

Sister Debra Johnston, Ms. Nack’s mentor during her stay, isn’t surprised. “It’s

kind of standard, when you say you’re going to join a convent. This is very countercultural,” she says.

For women who aren’t sure whether they should join the Companions program, Ms. Nack recommends they try staying in the convent’s Guest House or speaking with the sisters and Alongsiders. “Make sure that you are ready to live with you and your faith,” she says. “When you’re struggling, it’s fine.

You don’t have to be sure.

But you have to be sure that you want to work on your faith and want to think about your faith.”

As she looks toward the end of her internship, Ms. Nack says what she will miss most is her shared life with the sisters. “I really feel like part of this, and I really enjoy being with all of them,” she says. “Each of these women here is wondrous in herself.

I will miss all of them very much.”

The deadline for applications to the Companions program is June 15. For more information, visit the Companions website and blog or contact Sr. Constance Joanna, the Companions coordinator, at companions@ssjd.ca or 416-226-2201, ext. 316.

New Executive Director at Galilee Centre

By Karen Ann McKinna Galilee Centre of Arnprior is pleased to announce the appointment of Michelle Reis-Amores as the new Executive Director. Michelle brings extensive not for profit ED experience, HR management and fundraising and we are delighted to have her with us during these exciting times in Galilee’s history.

PWRDF Annual Workshop

Michelle’s multi disciplinary education and work history are a great fit for Galilee.

Michelle applied to Galilee Centre with a keen interest to enhance the great work that Galilee Centre is becoming well-known for among people of all faiths seeking a strong spiritual connection.

She believes that these are critical times that we face as

human beings in regard to peace, compassion, kindness and service.

Her deep interest in ensuring the Mission and enhancing the creative and spiritual directives of Galilee Centre provides the kind of leadership and vision needed at this time.

This year the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) held it’s Annual Ottawa Workshop at All Saints, Westboro on Saturday, April 9th. Forty participants from across the diocese attended the workshop whose theme was “working towards a truly just, healthy and peaceful world.”

Kicking off the morning was key-note speaker, Zaida Bastos, Director of the PWRDF Development Partnership Program, who illustrated the key features of PWRDF’s Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Program (MNCH).

The All Mothers and Children Count Program is a joint undertaking with Global Affairs Canada (formerly DFATD/ CIDA) that is focusing on maternal and child health in 350 villages in Tanzania, Mozambique, Burundi and now Rwanda.

Following Zaida were Reports from the Field moderated by committee member, Shalini Raphael.

Several members from throughout the diocese spoke about PWRDF initiatives in their respective churches, including a partnership with Canadian Food Grains Bank and the success of last year’s Ride for Refuge.

In the afternoon attentions turned to the Syrian Refugee Crisis when diocesan committee member, Philippa Wilson, introduced the session with an overview of PWRDF’s refugee program around the world, highlighting Syria. Philippa noted that it’s important not to forget that the bulk of Syrian refugees remain in the Middle East, in UNHCR camps in Jordan and Lebanon, or struggling to find safe

shelter inside Syria. PWRDF is currently working with two partners on the ground - the ACT Alliance, a coalition of 140 churches, and Canadian Food Grains Bank, to provide food vouchers and baskets to Syrian families.

Don Smith, Refugee Coordinator extraordinaire of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa and the second keynote speaker of the day, detailed the history of refugee sponsorship in the diocese over the years. For the past two decades most refugee sponsorships were carried out by four groups of parishes in the Diocese. All that changed in September 2015 when the photo of young Aylan Kurdi appeared on a Turkish beach.

In less than four months 25 parishes, 25 community groups and 4 registered charities had applied to sponsor Syrian refugees through the Diocese of Ottawa, a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH). Don reported that a total of $1.76 million in donations and pledges has been raised, 1300 volunteers are participating in the sponsorship process and 31 Syrian families (130 individuals) have arrived in Ottawa since last summer. There are still 50 cases and 160 individuals “in process” and a number of parishes and sponsoring groups waiting for their families to arrive.

No one knows when these refugees will arrive.

While the PWRDF workshop was well received by participants, The challenge remains to “put words into action” and take the learnings from the workshop back to the parishes for action followup - A task The Ottawa PWRDF diocesan committee is ready to help with!

For more details about the work of PWRDF, please read Jane’s full article at Medium.com/@OttawaAnglican or visit pwrdf.org

Crosstalk Submission Deadlines: September - July 25 October - August 25 November - September 25

Page 10 • CROSSTALK • June 2016

OUTREACH

Blessing the Community

Four Stages of Emergency Response...

- Continued from page 1 ecutive Director of PWRDF partner UBINIG in Bangladesh and a former member of the PWRDF Board of Directors, describes disaster response as a four phase process: relief, rehabilitation, reconstruction, and sustainable development.

Naba Gurung, PWRDF’s Humanitarian Response Coordinator, agrees with Akhter.

“Relief is about ensuring immediate survival, rehabilitation is about getting the affected communities back on their feet, reconstruction is about re-building infrastructure, and sustainable development includes helping communities to prepare for future emergencies,” he said Relief Immediately after a disaster occurs, the needs are for food, clean water, medicine, shelter, clothing and trauma support for survivors. The situation is often confused as lines of communication and responsibility have broken down. Responding to the disaster at this point is the Relief component—meeting the immediate needs of survivors and beginning to determine the longer-term needs.

PWRDF is often able to respond within the first few

hours after a disaster, releasing an initial grant to the ACT Alliance’s Rapid Response Call. ACT Alliance is a global coalition of 140 churches and agencies engaged in development, humanitarian assistance and advocacy working in over 140 countries. When a disaster occurs, ACT Alliance contacts member agencies who work in the country to quickly determine the needs and the capacity to respond.

They then issue a Rapid Response Call to member agencies.

Rehabilitation The second stage of response is rehabilitation- making it safe for people to live in the area again. However, rehabilitation involves more than just re-building houses.

Damaged structures need to be removed. In the case of Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh, huge trees had destroyed or damaged many homes as they fell. Those trees needed to be removed. Buildings which were still standing needed to be examined to ensure that they are safe.

Rehabilitation also involves ensuring a constant supply of food and water, access to necessary health

facilities, and support for re-starting livelihoods. This support often takes the form of providing the required equipment for them to do their jobs: fishing communities need nets or boats; farming communities might need plows and seed. Akhter emphasized that “you really have to be specific and concrete to meet the needs of the people who are affected.”

Reconstruction As the community is being made safe and habitable again, there are other facets of the community that also need help. Roads, schools, community centres, health clinics and other infrastructure have often been damaged and destroyed. These important pieces of a thriving community need to be built or repaired during the Reconstruction phase of the relief effort. While reconstruction and rehabilitation often happen in conjunction with each other; reconstruction of infrastructure allows the village to become a thriving community once again.

Sustainable Development Sustainable development is not so much a phase of di-

saster response as it is the lens through which all of the work is done. PWRDF responds to disasters by working with the people who are affected by the disaster. Our partners talk with the affected communities to determine the needs and the priorities, then help to ensure that the community members themselves are the ones to enact the solutions. Sometimes this means providing seeds to re-start farms, other times providing construction skills training to enable young people to find jobs.

PWRDF will continue to respond when emergencies occur around the world. We will respond through relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. We will respond through sustainable development. And we will always work with our partners and with those who have been affected by the disaster!

Used with permission.

Originally published for the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund.

For the more about PWRDF or to contribute to their relief efforts visit www.pwrdf.org

By Norma Wheeler Good Shepherd Barrhaven Church is hosting one of the Big Give events on June 4.

The idea of a city-wide “Big Give” dates back to 2009. A local church in Ottawa had just completed The 40 Days of Community by Rick Warren. The challenge at the end of the book study was to find a church-wide project that would reach the community in a unique way.

A member of that church, Kathy Blakely woke up early one morning with the idea of a free garage sale. It was something that was easy to do and wouldn’t cost the church a lot of money. As she shared her vision with others, it became evident that this was a “God idea.” The first Big Give was held that year, and Kathy had a dream to see churches all over the city do the same thing on the same day.

In 2014, Richard Long of Love Ottawa heard of the idea and approached Kathy about partnering together. A committee was formed, and in June of 2015, 52 churches across the nation’s capital joined together for a unified day of radical giving.

PARISH NEWS

Incredible, Inspired, Included

By Eleanor Norman and Stephen Silverthorne How does a congregation serve a community that is already rich in resources? The Ottawa suburb of Barrhaven is a growing, affluent and busy community of nearly 80 thousand residents; 1/3 of whom are under 19 years old. It is home to many sports programs, dance studios and shops serving families with kids. However, few of these serve the special needs of families with developmentally-delayed children. On April 3rd, Good Shepherd Church started Barrhaven Bud Club to address this disparity.

On Sundays from 1 – 4pm at Good Shepherd, a small group of kids gather with vol-

photo:

Stephen Silverthorne

Participants in Good Shepherd’s Bud Club.

unteers from the congregation to participate in the Bud Club. Working with a one-toone child-to-volunteer ratio, helpers are paired with participants to help guide them through varied activities.

While some programming is intended for whole-group

participation—like singing and dancing—Bud Club members also have the freedom to interact in smaller groups, independently while supervised, or directly with a volunteer. Games and crafts are tailored to the children’s level of ability in a way that promotes learning and social growth.

An important part of the experience is the sense of belonging that is fostered in the children who participate. “[Our daughter] is thrilled to have somewhere of her own to go on Sunday afternoons,” says Shannon Mallen, a local parent, “It makes her feel like one of the kids”. That’s important because like most children with special needs, she must travel to other areas

of the city to find programming suitable for her needs.

Bud Club provides a place for this bonding to happen locally—a place for friendships to flourish between kids who live in the neighbourhood.

Although the program was designed with the children in mind, the volunteers reap rewards in being part of Bud Club too. Penelope Gibb, a member of Good Shepherd’s youth group, is one of the volunteers paired with a special needs child— someone her own age. “It’s fun to be around people who are different than me,” she says, “when you find a person you like being with, the time goes really fast.” By working and playing with the same

child each week, she’s enjoying a valuable friendship she might not otherwise have developed.

While children with special needs bring much joy into the world, the challenges many parents face in raising them are often overlooked.

The demands of special diets, medical care and challenging behaviour are often emotionally and physically exhausting. Part of what Bud Club brings to local parents, is a few hours of respite where they can run errands, or simply rest knowing their child is safe and enjoying him/herself. These brief hours can be priceless for them—and in a small way is revealing the grace of God to those whose needs are often forgotten.

June 2016 • CROSSTALK • Page 11

NEWS

Dream. Celebrate.

Learn. Tell Stories.

An Opportunity to Collaborate with the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland

By Leslie Giddings, Child, Youth, and Adult Learning Facilitator Tell stories. That is what I learned with the people of Newfoundland. In fact, that is what I learned about the people of Newfoundland.

Tell stories.

So here is a story about my week long visit to St. John’s to participate in Synod 2016. I was invited by Bishop Geoff Peddle and Cannon David Burrows (Chair of the Synod Planning Committee) to help facilitate conversations around the synod theme.

My goals were to encourage dreaming, provide opportunities for celebration, and facilitate learning. In retrospect, my goal should have been to tell stories. I used story telling as one of my approaches; I didn’t realize it was the approach most valued and most needed by the people I met.

In my preparations for the trip, I spent time engaged in consultative conversations with various clergy and lay folks from around the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland. We shared a lot of stories. I valued the stories they

shared. It really did help me prepare for the workshops I led and the guest preaching opportunity I had at the Closing Eucharist. I will confess though that it wasn’t until the third workshop and then my closing address that I figured out how to tell my stories in a way that really made the collaboration become meaningful.

Story telling is at the heart of life for the people of Newfoundland. I’m sure there are historical, geographic, and anthropological reasons for this. As I observed their faith expressed in story, their ministries affirmed in story, and their liturgical affinities cultivated in story I realized that lay delegates and clergy alike were sharing the stories of what it meant to be the Church. I learned a lot. We can’t skip over or skimp on the time it takes to share our stories. Our stories are what binds us together in relationship. It is what enables us to dream, to celebrate, and to learn.

I’d like to thank Audrey Starkes, my fellow parishioner at St. John the Evangelist, Ottawa who shared the stories of her childhood in her recent book Footpaths and Fishing Boats.

Her stories of Nipper’s Harbour, Newfoundland were a great preparation for my journey.

Medal for Volunteers

By Rev. Di Jaggassar Sheila Granger received the Governor General’s Sovereign Medal for Volunteers at a special ceremony on Friday April 15 at the Civic Site of The Ottawa Hospital.

Her Excellency Sharon Johnston presented the awards to 16 recipients. Sheila’s award represents the importance of Spiritual Care in the hospital.

Sheila became Volunteer Coordinator in January 2006. She has worked tirelessly over the past ten years on behalf of Anglican patients - helping to ensure that their spiritual needs are met, especially at what can be a very vulnerable time in their lives. Approximately 2000 Anglican patients are seen each year between the Civic and General sites.

The Sovereign’s Medal for

photo:

Submitted

Sheila Granger with Her Excellency Sharon Johnston after receiving the Governor General’s Sovereign Medal for Volunteers

Volunteers is a huge honour and the many people who have worked with Sheila over the years are just delighted that her efforts have been recognized.

Cursillo: Experience Christ

By Stephanie Boyd, Communications Officer St. Stephen’s Anglican Church was host to folks around the diocese who gathered for a day of learning and worship.

On Saturday, April 16,

Ottawa Anglican Cursillo held it’s second educational event, complete with worship and workshops on labyriths, prayer beads, prayer, spiritual journaling and a sharing by Gary Hauch on Jesus’ spirituality through the sacred texts.

Annual Diocesan Altar Guild Meeting St. Thomas Anglican Church 1619 Main Street Stittsville, ON

9am - 3pm Registration $12 (Includes lunch) Please watch for Registration Info in the September issue of Crosstalk photo:

Sharon Fleming

Folks from around the diocese gathered for worship at the Cursillo event: Experience Christ 2016.

Do plan to join us for a wonderful day of fun and fellowship

REFLECTIONS

Living in the Spirit of Wonder

By Rev. Canon Stewart Murray I have had a great love of the psalms since my days of singing as a chorister in the choir at St. Matthew’s Ottawa. Even as a young boy singing the psalms caught my imagination. I think this was partly because they were meant to be sung or at least read aloud to get a feel for the meaning of the words and images that they employ.

I have often wondered if they would have been so meaningful if I had simply read the words on the pages of the Prayer Book.

Over the years the range of emotions, questions and struggles that the psalms express have enabled me to grow in my understanding of my relationship with God. There are psalms of praise and thanksgiving, such as Psalm 150, which have provided the words I lacked to express my sense of the wonder and glory of the living God. There have been psalms such as Psalm 38 that have helped me express my disappointment with God and the discouragement I have felt – “Put me not to rebuke, O Lord, in thine anger”. The first psalm I memorized, Psalm 23, still brings a great measure of comfort in times of stress and frustration when I need to remember

that indeed God is my faithful shepherd.

Over the years certain psalms have become constant companions in my prayers.

Psalm 27 has been one such psalm. The opening verse, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? / The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid”, is for me an affirmation of my faith and hope in Christ. A faith that enables me to live without fear and that gives me vision and strength in the face of the challenges we all face. The psalm speaks to me most powerfully of the trust I need to have in Christ and in His love and faithfulness towards me.

Trust is not always easy to achieve in the world today.

Warnings about the danger of trusting the safety and privacy of the internet and emails and the frequent exposure of fraudulent claims

of ads for everything from food products to cars erode trust and our sense of security. In our personal lives most of us have experienced the sadness and anger of a trust betrayed by someone close to us. Fear of such hurt and disappointment can at times make it very difficult to trust; it can seem easier to only count on oneself and to keep others at a distance leading to isolation, loneliness and fear. God however has shown that He is worthy of my trust and indeed my love. The image of the crucified Lord on the cross speaks to me of the depth of His love and commitment to me and to all who turn to Him. Actions indeed speak louder then words when we are talking of love and trust.

Psalm 27 reminds us that by putting our trust in the living God, we will triumph over the trials and difficulties that we all face in life. The psalm reminds us that at times we need to “be strong, and let thy heart take courage, and wait upon the Lord”; to learn to be patient and remember that our lives are in the hands of a loving and wise Father. So I encourage you to explore the psalms, to read them aloud, to sing them and discover what God desires to reveal to you through them.

Page 12 • CROSSTALK • June 2016

ANGLICAN CHURCH WOMEN

A Trip to Pembroke

By Marni Crossley, ACW Executive What a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a drive up the Ottawa Valley! Your Diocesan ACW Executive always responds to an invitation to visit a Parish Meeting to renew friendships and assist in any way we can. Such an invitation came from Holy Trinity, Pembroke. It was totally refreshing to meet with 20 women from the Parish that are committed to maintaining the ongoing Ministry of ACW within the Parish, the community and the World!

We were able to review our Diocesan financial responsibilities and help them to identify where they might be able to assist with

our commitments. It was exciting to learn that Baptismal cards are still being sent to children age 1-5 years, reflecting back to the wonderful work of those involved in “Little Helpers” of W.A. Days as well as all the fellowship activities of today’s world! It is evident that the ACW mission of “prayer, work and stewardship” is being lived out and witnessed within the Parish and Community. The meeting closed with Payer and a cup of Tea! While in Pembroke, a special visit was made to Alix Delehaye who was a very active member of our Diocesan Executive and is now residing in a Retirement home.

Packing Bales for the North

photo:

Where in the World is Hope Bear?

Take a picture with Hope Bear wherever you travel!

Marni Crossley

A Group of ACW members and friends gathered to pack Bales for North at St. John’s Richmond.

Find out more at

www.anglicanfoundation.org

Church Calendars

photo:

Marni Crossley

Members of the Anglican Church Women Executive gathered to learn about the work being done in Pembroke.

photo:

Marni Crossley

ACW isn’t just for women, these hard workers helped pack several Bales for the North at St. John’s Richmond.

To order calendars for your parish, please contact

PARISH NEWS

Messy Church

By Jim Millard On April 14, St. John’s in Iroquois hosted another session of Messy Church, the 4th such event, hosted jointly by the United, Presbyterian and Anglican churches in Iroquois.

The organizers have persevered after having several sessions with very few children and one session with only one child.

The most recent session was a surprise when about 20 youngsters and their parents arrived. Organizers were delighted and had to send someone off the the store for more food. The evening began at 5:30 and was over by about 7 p.m., following supper, songs, stories, crafts and

lots of great fellowship.

The planning committee has found a formula;a that seems to work and it includes hosting the event in the spring and fall so as not to conflict with hockey, skating, dancing and all the other winter activities for children.

It also helps to hold it on the eve of a P.A. day. The next Messy Church will take place in September and this time, there will be enough food on hand to avoid a grocery run.

The accompanying photos show children involved in the music activity with leader Joyce Millard and also working on “artwork” and Lego, prior to supper.

By Cynthia Greer Now is the time to order your 2017 church calendars. Although Augsburg Fortress has been bought

by David C. Cook, the calendars will still be the same price, which for you is $3.90 each for 1-99, and $3.80 each for 100 +. Freight costs are as yet unknown. The deadline for ordering is June 30th.

Outstanding Volunteers

photo:

Cynthia Greer (613) 723-2680 greercynthia69@yahoo. com

Kate Jaimet

The Ottawa South Committee for Refugee Sponsorship, which includes Trinity Bank St, received the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award from the Old Ottawa South Community Association’s

Support Development The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund

www.pwrdf.org

June 2016 • CROSSTALK • Page 13

REFLECTIONS

12 Reasons Why It Is Good To Be A Church Bully

By Rev. Erik Parker, @ParkerErik Bullying is a pervasive behaviour. The Bishop’s Advisory Panel on Clergy Wellness was pleased to read Diana Swift’s article on the issue in the May 2016 Anglican Journal.

While we were researching bullying we found an excellent piece on the website www.millennialpastor.net. The man behind the website is Rev Erik Parker, a millennial Lutheran Pastor in Manitoba - We hope you find his take on bullying interesting.

If you have spent any amount of time attending church, it’s likely that you have encountered a church bully. It is even more likely that you have come across church bullies if you have been involved with church leadership. Of course, bullies are everywhere in the world, and are not limited to churches. Bullying is hot button issue these days, and bullying is something many people are trying to draw attention to so that it can be eliminated. Yet still, bullying can be hard to identify. It isn’t just the big kid on the playground stealing lunch money.

Bullying can be psychological, emotional and physical.

Church bullies have a special advantage, though. Most church people have been taught to be nice and kind, to refrain from stirring the pot or rocking the boat. Church bullies know that often people will not stand up to them, and that they can get away with just about anything.

Church bullying is the same. Church bullies are not good, but being a church bully is good business these days, and here’s why: 1. Being a bully is the easiest way to get what you want.

Churches are groups where people usually have to work together, and work out how to live as a community.

That means give and take, compromise and collaboration. Bullying, however, means you can get anything and everything you want.

You can bend people to your wills and desires without giving anything up in return.

And as a bully, you don’t have to work with, consider or respect others. Bullying is the easiest way to get what you want.

2. Bullies can offer anonymous feedback.

Churches are already pretty good at not requiring people to stand behind what they say. We send out surveys and feedback tools that remain anonymous. But bullies have it really great. They can send anonymous emails to leaders. They can give in-person feedback with the qualifier, “people are saying.” Bullies never have to own the criticisms, and so are free to criticize anything they want to.

3. Bullies often have gossip clubs.

Bullies are often supported in a small group that likes to keep up on the latest church gossip. This kind of group can meet for coffee during the week or lunch on Sundays or any number of places. As a bully, you can find allies who are ready to support you, who will offer behind-the-scenes support to your behind-the-scenes bullying. It is always easier to bully when you can be confident you are supported by, or acting on behalf of a club.

4. People will worry that challenging bullies is unkind or unchristian.

The vast majority of church members worry that their behaviour could be perceived as unkind or unchristian. You know, Jesus never stood up to anyone and never challenged bad behaviour. So as a bully you know most of the time you can be confident that other church members won’t stand up to you, lest they be thought of as creating conflict or being un-Christ like.

5. You can use your anxiety against others.

Human beings don’t like anxiety, we don’t want to be worried or fearful if we can avoid it. Anxiety and fear are contagious. Use this your advantage. As a bully, if you can get others to take on your worries, your fears, your issues, your anxiety, most people (especially church people) will do almost anything to relieve you (and therefore themselves) of your fears.

Use this to your advantage.

6. You can use the other’s anxiety against them.

As human beings we have often been taught that we have two responses to anxiety – Fight or Flight. Bullies know that this isn’t true.

There are 3 – Fight, Flight or Freeze. The best bullies know that freeze is the most common response. If you can make others anxious, you know that their first response will be to do nothing. It is pretty easy to bully people when they don’t do anything or say anything to stop you.

Make them anxious.

7. You don’t have to be open or transparent.

Bullies know this tactic well. It is much easier to bully from the shadows than in the open. Write anonymous letters and emails that you can deny came from you. Ambush your victims when others aren’t around to catch you. Make life miserable for people in private, and be an angel in the open. Most people won’t even know that you are a bully. Hide in plain sight.

8. You can play the victim card when caught.

So what do you do when someone actually calls you on your bullying? Why accuse them of being the bully, of course! Most people will get so worried that they are bullying you that they will forget all about the fact that you were bullying them first. You never want to defend your own actions, so make other people defend theirs – play the victim card.

9. The stakes are low for you but high for others.

One of the great things about being a church bully is that the stakes are pretty low.

What could happen to you?

Churches will rarely kick you off the membership list. Pastors have jobs to keep, leaders have to tend to running the place. As a bully the worst that could happen is people get annoyed with you, but really that’s good for you (see point 6).

10. You don’t have to change.

Change is hard. Growing up and being mature is really hard. Bullying means you can stay the same. You don’t have to accept new ideas or learn new things. You can just impose your will on others, make them do what you like, and complain if they don’t. Don’t change, be a bully instead.

11. The congregational system (read: family system) will often work to keep you in power.

Great church bullies know that individuals might challenge them, but the system will work to maintain the status quo. Bullies don’t change, and therefore don’t challenge the system. Intelligent individuals will cease thinking straight in a group and will seek to silence those who oppose bullies (and therefore advocate change in the system) since is it easier to maintain the norm. Feel confident that almost all of the group behaviour in a church is there to support your bullying.

12. You don’t have to care about anyone but yourself.

This is the best part of being a bully of course. You can claim you are speaking for the wronged, the victimized, the silent majority or minority, but really it is all about you.

That’s the whole reason you can bully in the first place, because your issues come first. Your needs, your wants, your feelings, your ideas. You are numero uno, and thinking about others only gets in the way of taking care of you. So put yourself first and you will be a great bully. ___________ All snark aside, bullying is a major issue in society, one that often seems to paralyze those in authority. Bullying

happens because most bullies know to use our anxiety, our fears, and our emotions against us. Most of us would much rather just avoid conflict altogether, and it is much easier to give in to make the bullying stop than to challenge it.

It is time for the bullying to end. But it won’t be easy.

Standing up to bullies means recognizing our own anxieties and need to be liked. Standing up means risking being unpopular, it means risking the wrath of the system that protects the bullies. Standing up means knowing all the advantages that bullies have to lose (see the list above), and not underestimating how far bullies will go to retain their power and privilege. Standing up means that we all participate, even unknowingly support bullies, when our own anxieties about change prevent us from moving and growing into healthier ways of being.

Ending bullying means change. Change is hard.

Sometimes it might land you on a cross.

But God knows something about that… in fact, change is one of God’s favourite tools to work with – crosses are God’s speciality.

Used with permission.

Page 14 • CROSSTALK • June 2016

REFLECTIONS

Prayer Matters Does it Matter if We “Take Stock” of our Prayer Life?

By Paul Dumbrille, Anglican Fellowship of Prayer Representative Does it Matter if We “Take Stock” of our Prayer Life?

I think it does. Regardless of the way we pray, or how often we pray, God does not want our relationship with Him to stay the same. He desires us to come closer to Him and to grow in our love for Him, for others, and for ourselves. It is therefore appropriate that from time to time we “take stock” of how we are communicating with God, and how our relationship is developing. This article will ask you to pose a number of questions to yourself. There are no right or wrong answers. The results are intended to provide food for thought and in the hope that you will be spurred to take stock, and make changes

if they are necessary to improve your relationship with God. What is the place of prayer in my life?

How often do I pray?

Many times a day; once a day; frequently, but not every day; when I am so moved; or when I face a crisis?

What amount of time do I spend in prayer? 30 minutes or more a day; more than 15 minutes a day; more than 5 minutes a day; more than 30 minutes a week; more than 15 minutes a week; or less than any of the above?

What is my attitude about prayer?

Consider and think about the words that would best describe your feelings about prayer. Is my prayer: necessary; satisfying; exciting; duty; joyous; difficult; confusing; mysterious; boring; adventure; ecstatic?

When do I pray?

At what time of day do you most often pray? Do I pray: when I first awaken in the morning; fairly early in the morning; during the day; at night; just before going to bed; on Sundays; or at no regular time?

Where do I normally pray?

Do I pray: in a special place at home or at work; no particular place; in my car; wherever I am; or other place?

How do I pray?

Do I pray with: formal prayers from memory; extemporaneous prayers; contemplation; conversational

prayer with others; singing; meditation; “arrow” prayers for urgent needs; through worship in church; or by listening?

What do I pray about?

The things I pray about are: my own needs; the needs of others; my gratitude to God; my worship (praise) of God; my sins; for guidance; the world; or other things.

Why do you pray?

The reasons I pray are: I find it useful; to converse with God; I enjoy praying; other people do it; God tells me to; I find it fulfilling; or I don’t know why.

What are the results of my prayer?

The results of my prayer are: I feel close to God; God gives me direction; my spirit is renewed; they are answered; I am more sensitive to others; uncertain; mixed; confusing; or other.

What methods do I use to structure my life in prayer?

Do I: have a “Rule of Prayer”; have a method or methods of practising the “Presence of God”; participate in a Prayer Group; have a spiritual director; regularly ask God’s blessing at meals, even when I am eating in a restaurant; pray together with my spouse; pray with our children; act as a spiritual director for our children; have a prayer partner; keep a prayer journal; or have a personal prayer book?

When you have “Taken Stock” and answered all or some of these questions, it would be useful to summarize your findings and consider what you might have learned and what changes you would like to make by answering the following questions: • How would I describe my present prayer life?

• How would I like my prayer life to be?

• As a result of this effort what am I prepared to commit myself to?

COMMUNITY MINISTRIES

Sacred Conversations at The Well

By Deacon Christine Jannasch Vegetarian samosas with tamarind chutney, galub jamum and barfee were the delicious snacks served to celebrate the Hindu faith on April 7 at The Well Drop-In Centre for Women. About 25 women listened, asked questions, sang and danced during a presentation led by Thangam Parameswaran, Didi (a volunteer yoga teacher already familiar to the participants of The Well) and her friend, Alice. We looked at beautiful saris, and photographs of impressive Hindu temples in Canada and India. We learned about devotional and ritual aspects of Hinduism, as well as about yoga and meditation.

We are grateful to Thangam, Didi and Alice for sharing their wisdom and experience. We are also grateful to the women who presented to us on previous occasions: Safaa Fouda on Islam; Julie Paradis and Francine Leblanc on First Nations spirituality; and Rev Aigah Attagutsiak and Julia Kimmaliardjuk on Inuit

spirituality.

The Well is a spiritual and justice-based community, and the women at The Well come from all over the world, from many cultures and faiths. Learning about each other’s faith journeys helps us to find respectful ways to be curious about each other, and to benefit from our rich diversity. We affirm each woman’s unique relationship with the sacred. We support each other’s exploration and practice of a variety of traditions. We recognize that spirituality is a powerful resource for healing and transformation.

There are many opportunities for sacred conversations at The Well. At the weekly prayer service, we share our insights into Scripture, sing and pray. We talk about how we live out our faith in our daily life. The Anglican chaplain, Deacon Christine, brings attention to the Christian calendar. The imposition of ashes was made available at the beginning of Lent, and our study theme thereafter was a 12 Step Lent. Wendy McCutcheon joined us from

the Altar Guild of St John the Evangelist church to teach us how to make palm crosses.

Maundy Thursday was the occasion of a peaceful hand washing ritual. In November, we plan a multi-faith memorial service. In December we share a liturgy around the Advent wreath, that expresses our mixed feelings about the coming holiday season.

Didi is available on Tuesdays to teach yoga and meditation, and a number of women lead us in drumming and chanting throughout the year. Julie Paradis has provided teaching on First Nations traditions, including a session on making dream catchers.

We have spoken about love in action at the Caregivers’ Support Group. We have had a large circle for discussing forgiveness, and met twice for the topic of respect.

When we take time to talk about our faith journeys, we remember that we are all beloved children of God on a journey towards wholeness.

We drink deeply of a well that never runs dry.

June 2016 • CROSSTALK • Page 15

DIOCESAN ARCHIVES

Pembroke Deanery Watts’ Signature

By Glenn J Lockwood Here we see the interior of Saint Paul’s Church, Renfrew, photographed half a century after it was built.

The Mission of Renfrew was organized in 1861, after being a station in the larger mission field of Renfrew County under the Reverend E.H.M. Baker. From 1870 to 1873 it was an outstation of the extensive mission of Eganville.

Anglican services were first held in a log building, provided by Xavier Plaunt. In 1869, land was purchased from John Lorne McDougall’s estate to begin construction of a small stone church. The small congregation had difficulty completing it, as for up to three years the nave remained without a roof. It was sufficiently completed to be opened for divine service in October 1874.

More than a generation later, the Reverend William M.H. Quartermaine told of going to see Archbishop Lewis about taking charge of Renfrew in 1890.

He learned that the arch-

bishop intended “to close...

Renfrew because of certain conditions prevailing at that time,” and countered, “If you appoint me there I will go.” The chancel and vestry were soon built, and the new priest stayed put for 53 years.

Archivists still wonder about Quartermaine’s ministry, noting the absence of parish

registers from 1904 to 1938 and rumours that he enjoyed fox hunting.

The wonder is that earlier parish registers have survived. Disaster struck on 21 February 1900 when the church burned down, in a blaze that lasted all night.

On 8 August 1900 the cornerstone of a new Saint

Paul’s was laid. Whereas the old church had odd-shaped corners due to its being built in several sections, the new brick church had a rather different design. The main entrance instead of facing Argyle Street, was on Patrick Street, and the house of worship was up from street level a number of steps in order to provide space for a Sunday School in the basement.

Those knowledgeable about church design at the turn of the century, could tell from the design of the chancel ceiling alone that the architect of the new house of worship was John W.H. Watts of Ottawa. Watts was born and trained in England. By the time he immigrated to Canada in 1874, art and architecture were under the spell of William Morris whose Arts and Crafts movement sought to recapture the quality and spirit of mediaeval craftsmanship. The movement was a reaction against the machine-made products of the Industrial Revolution.

Watts, who worked for the Chief Dominion Architect in Ottawa for 23 years, was the first cura-

tor for the National Gallery of Canada and a founding member of the Royal Canadian Academy. Four of his paintings are in the National Gallery collection, and the reredos at Saint Margaret’s Church, Vanier is reputed to be the product of his brush as well. After setting up in private practice in 1897, Watts among other commissions designed the first Saint Matthias’s Church in Nepean, Saint Augustine’s Church, Galetta, the Andrew Fleck mansion (500 Wilbrod Street), the Alexander Fleck mansion (593 Laurier Avenue West) and the John Rudolphus Booth mansion at 252 Metcalfe Street -- all in Ottawa. ___________ If you would like to help the Archives preserve the records of the Diocese, why not become a Friend of the Archives? Your $20 membership brings you three issues of the Newsletter, and you will receive a tax receipt for further donations above that amount.

Diocesan Archives 51 O20 3

REFLECTIONS

Where in the World is Hope Bear?

Take a picture with Hope Bear wherever you travel!

Find out more at

www.anglicanfoundation.org

Support Development The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund

www.pwrdf.org

A Space for Story

By Ven. PJ Hobbs, Director of Mission My name is PJ Hobbs and I am the Director of Mission for the Diocese of Ottawa. I work in the Bishop’s office, for the boss. I am responsible for the Community Ministries of Ottawa, five amazing organizations. I also take on special projects that are assigned to me by the Bishop, the boss. For example, I have worked on Embracing God’s Future, the Strategic Roadmap for the Diocese.

Stephanie Boyd, our Crosstalk editor, has agreed to let me have 600 words or so in Crosstalk each month.

Stephanie is a bit of a social media enthusiast, to say the least. She tweets, posts, and shares a lot every day.

Not me. I tweet about twice a year. When my kids notice they tell me my tweets are not very good before they turn their heads back to their phones to do whatever is you do on Snapchat, Instragram and Vine. Facebook? I have

an account, hardly use it.

Now I have never done anything before in the media, religious or secular, social or conventional. All of a sudden I am a columnist. Stephanie may live to regret her decision (She is new to the job).

I have met many Crosstalk readers over the years, though most of you wouldn’t know me from a hole in the ground. So before I start up my column in earnest in September, I thought I should introduce myself or at least warn you what is coming in the fall. More than anything, I want to use the space allocated to me to tell stories.

Truth is, I am a bit of a committee-man. I sit on more task forces, working groups, sub-committees and advisory panels then you can shake at stick at - I know! Great job, eh? Much of that work centers on the stewardship of the church’s ministry and resources, addressing the challenges and opportunities we are facing as people of God in our day. I sure do not want to use my 600 words informing folks about terms of references, policies, procedures, and measured outcomes. Yet behind all such things is the reality of who we are as a church today.

My friend Pat Leach (who serves on his own fair share of committees) from the Parish of Stafford-Whitewaters once said to me, “PJ you don’t need to come and tell us we have a problem. We know what is going on.” Pat is right. Most of us are well aware that we as a church are living through some challenging even frustrating

times. The numbers are low, the demographics discouraging, and the finances… well I don’t need to tell you. And yet new things are happening. We are having the sort of conversations throughout our Diocese that just might lead to miraculous things. People are embracing what it means to be a disciple of Jesus is the 21st century.

I am blessed in my work to travel this diocese. I meet a lot of people and witness first hand the grace of God ever present in our lives. I want to try and tell those stories. They are stories of courage and change, of joy and sadness, of faith, hope, and love. They are stories about children and grandparents, gardens, and yes committees, new things and old things, friends and strangers, folks near and far. I have never done anything like this before. I want to give it a go. If I am no good at it, don’t worry.

I’ll quit.

Have a good summer.

Page 16 • CROSSTALK • June 2016

CALENDAR

May 20-22

Diocesan Youth Conference: At Christie Lake Camp.

Info: ottawa.anglican.ca leslie-giddings@ottawa.anglican.ca

May 28

Ordination, Anglican Military Ordinariate: At 2pm at Christ Church Cathedral (414 Sparks St).

By the Grace of God, Nigel Shaw will be ordained to the Sacred Order of Bishops.

Your presence and prayers are invited. Clergy are invited to vest (red). An informal reception will follow. Dress: Military - 1A (with medals); Civilians - Business Attire

May 29

Choral Eucharist: At 10am at St. Matthew’s (217 First Ave). St. Matthew’s Boys’ and Girls’ choirs will be joined by visiting Bach Children’s Chorus of Rochester, New York.

Info: stmatthewsottawa.ca

May 31

Mass Blanket Exercise: At 5:30pm at Parliament Hill (111 Wellington St). In honour of the TRC and the continued work that needs to happen for reconciliation, there will be a Mass Blanket Exercise held on Parliament Hill, one of many being held across the country.

Info: bit.ly/27506ZP kairosblanketexercise.org

June 02

Evensong for Spring Feasts: At 6pm at Christ Church Cathedral (414 Sparks St).

Also presented on June 16 & 30

June 04

Big Give: From 10-2pm at Good Shepherd Barrhaven (3500 Fallowfield Rd, unit 5). A garage sale without the sale to bless the community.

Come find what you need and take.

Info: (613) 823-8118 goodshepherdbarrhaven.ca Good Food Market: From

9-12 at Epiphany, Gloucester (1290 Ogilvie Rd). A notfor-profit market providing affordable food, free snacks, live music, used books; and local yard sales.

Info: (613) 746-9278

ful stories by Canada’s own Stephen Leacock.

Tickets: $20 $15 students/seniors $10 children under 10 Info: (613) 224-7431 stmarks@stmarksottawa.ca

epiphanyanglican.ca Also presented on June 25; July 9; August 6 & 27

June 06

epiphanyanglican@gmail.com

Retirement Party for Rev. Canon Gary Hauch: At Church of the Ascension (253 Echo Dr). After serving as parish priest at Ascension for 25 years, Rev. Gary Hauch will retire this month.

Please join us for a farewell party. Reception and refreshments 5pm; welcome 6pm; program 7-9:30pm.

Info: churchoftheascension.ca Victorian Tea and Silent Auction: From 2-4pm at Holy Trinity, Metcalfe (8140 Victoria St). Put on your fancy hats and white gloves, and join us for our annual Victorian Tea! Tickets: $10 Info: (613) 233-1556 parishofmgv.org Yard Sale & BBQ: From 8-2pm at All Saints, Greely (7103 Parkway Rd).

Info: (613) 316-0991 parishofmgv.org

June 04-05

Diocesan Jr. Youth Retreat: At Epiphany, Gloucester (1290 Ogilvie Rd). For you aged 9-12; Theme: All of Creation.

Info: ottawa.anglican.ca leslie-giddings@ottawa.anglican.ca

Doors Open Ottawa: At Christ Church Cathedral (414 Spark St). The Cathedral is once again delighted to participate in this annual event. Do drop by. Volunteers will be on hand to show you around.

Info: doorsopenottawa.ca

June 05

Evensong: At 4pm at St. Matthew’s (217 First Ave).

With the Men and Boys’, and Women and Girls’ choirs. Versicles and REsponses: Atkinson. Canticles: Stanford in G. Anthem: Sing We Merrily (Campbell).

Info: stmatthewsottawa.ca Tales & Tunes: At 2:30pm at St. Mark the Evangelist (1606 Fisher Ave). Ottawa Story Tellers and North Wind Brass feat. delight-

Cathedral Arts Dinner Lecture: At 6pm at Christ Church Cathedral (414 Sparks St). Feat. Canadian Parliamentary Poet Laureate, George Elliott Clarke; a five-course Nova Scotian inspired dinner; and a cash bar.

Tickets: $60 Info: (613) 567-1787 cathedralarts.ca

June 07

W.A. Mozart’s Requiem: At 7:30pm at St. Joseph’s Church (corner of Cumberland and Wilbrod). A concert feat. the Cathedral Choir of Men & Boys and the Phoenix (Arizona) Boys’ Choir. There will be a silent auction and cash bar.

Tickets: $30 Reserved $20 Adults $10 Students Info: (613) 236-9149 x12 cathedralarts.ca

June 11

Afternoon Tea: From 2-4pm at St. Aidan’s (934 Hamlet Rd). Join us for an afternoon tea with musical entertainment.

Tickets: $12 Info: (613) 733-0102 staidans@bellnet.ca Parking Lot Sale: From 8-1pm at St. Thomas the Apostle (2345 Alta Vista Dr).

Spaces available in advance for $20.

Info: (613) 523-2487 (613) 733-0336 RSCMC Annual General Meeting: At 10am at the Church of St. Aidan, Toronto (70 Silver Birch Ave). The Royal school of Church Music Canada will be holding it’s Annual General Meeting, preceded by Morning Prayer at 10am. All are welcome.

Info: (jolibays@netrover.com Silent Auction: From 104pm at St. Alban’s (454 King Edward Ave). Join us as we host an exciting silent auction to raise funds to bring another refugee family. The auction will include over 100 items including donations from restaurants, merchants, golf courses, original art

work, and gift baskets.

Info: (613) 236-0342 stalbanschurch.ca

June 19

Godspeed & Auf Wiedersehen: At Christ Church Cathedral (414 Sparks St).

On the eve of their performance tour to the UK and Germany, the Cathedral Girls’ Choir presents an afternoon recital of music by Bach, Beethoven, and others.

Feat. performances by James Calkin, Janet Geiger, Ineke Helby, and guests.

Tickets: $20 Info: (613) 236-9149 x20 james-calkin@ottawa.anglican.ca

June 21

National Aboriginal Day: Please take a moment to learn about the Reconciliation work taking place throughout Canada, or to read the United Nations Declaration on the Rights on Indigenous Peoples.

UNDRIP: bit.ly/1bKlrMs Liturgical Resources: bit.ly/1TwUk98

June 21-22

Conversations 2016: A national gathering of young clergy.

Info: picatic.com/ACCconvo2016

June 25

Painting with All the Saints: From 2-4pm at All Saints, Greely (7103 Parkway Rd). Join us for our Paint with All the Saints fun-raiser as artist in residence, Carole Lamey, walks us through the creation of

a painting. Level of experience: beginner!

Cost: $25 (includes your canvas, easel, paint, and brushes).

Registration: (613) 821-2530 Info: parishofmgv.org

July 10

Summer Evensong: At 7pm at Holy Trinity, Lascelles (5 Pritchard Rd). Join us over the summer for a beautiful traditional service of Evensong in the peaceful country setting of Lascelles.

Different guest preachers and musicians every week.

All are welcome.

Info: laur.music@gmail.com anglicansinthehills.ca Also presented July 10, 17, 24, 31; August 7, 14, 21, 28

July 24

Anglican Chorale: At 10am at St. James the Apostle, Perth (12 Harvey St). During the morning Eucharist, the Anglican Chorale will showcase music for their upcoming tour of Britain’s Cathedrals, as part of Perth’s 200th Anniversary celebrations.

Ecumenical Service at 1:30pm in Stewart Park.

Info: (613)267-1163 stjamesperth.ca acochoir.com perthtourism.ca

Connect with the Diocese are several ways that you can connect with There the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa www.facebook.com/OttawaAnglican @OttawaAnglican www.youtube.com/AngDioOtt www.flickr.com/OttawaAnglican www.medium.com/@OttawaAnglican

www.ottawa.anglican.ca